

Sometimes, moments that should be full of celebration turn into something a little more complicated. That’s exactly what happened yesterday when Deion Sanders, the legendary NFL Hall of Famer and head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, reacted with a surprisingly dry and subdued expression after seeing Travis Hunter drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2025 NFL Draft.
For those who have followed Sanders and Hunter’s journey, the contrast was almost shocking. This is the same Deion Sanders who once beamed with pride when Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, who roared with excitement after big plays at Colorado, and who made it clear just how much Travis meant to him. But this time, it was different. And it didn’t take long for fans and cameras to notice. There were no big smiles, no cheers, just a simple nod and a tight expression. It was as if something else was weighing on him and it was.
This may be why Deion reacted that way to Hunter
The truth is, Deion Sanders had a lot on his mind. His son, Shedeur Sanders, was still sitting there, waiting to hear his name called. Despite a standout college career and high expectations, Shedeur wasn’t selected during the first round, a twist that stunned many around the league. It’s hard to fully celebrate when your own family is left waiting, and it’s even harder when you know how much work and heart your son has poured into reaching this dream.
Maybe that’s why Coach Prime’s reaction was so dry. Maybe part of him was happy for Travis Hunter after all, developing and preparing players for the next level is what he’s always promised to do. But at the same time, there was an undeniable cloud hanging over the night, and it all revolved around Shedeur.
Did Deion hurt Shedeur in the Draft?
It’s also fair to ask: did Deion unintentionally hurt Shedeur’s draft stock? Deion is a larger than life figure in football, both college and NFL. His personality, his style, his dominance it’s legendary. But sometimes, in a world as political and image conscious as the NFL, being connected too closely to a giant like Deion Sanders can be a double edged sword.
Some teams may have been wary, wondering if Shedeur would bring too much spotlight, too many expectations, or too much “baggage” fair or not. If Shedeur’s talent had clearly separated him above everyone else, like Cam Ward who went No. 1, it wouldn’t have mattered. But because Shedeur, while very good, didn’t outshine the competition by miles, it left room for doubts. And in the NFL, perception can be just as important as who your father is.
Add to that the perception around the massive NIL deals and the wealth Shedeur already built in college, and you can see why some NFL teams might have felt more cautious than enthusiastic. The NFL, after all, likes to humble players before handing them the keys to the kingdom. Maybe last night was their way of reminding both Deion and Shedeur who really calls the shots at the next level.
Deion’s dry reaction said it all. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t bitterness. It was the look of a father who wanted the night to go differently but kept it together for the sake of his players, his son, and his future.
Now, all eyes are on what happens next. Shedeur will have his chance again soon, as the second round awaits. And so will Deion, still building, still believing, but maybe, for the first time in a long while, feeling just a little bit humbled by the game he once ruled.
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